I am responsible for my actions and responses to outside forces. I can choose my behavior and how others actions toward me affect me. I will not allow the past to be an excuse for choosing to react to situations in any manner that does not fit with my values.
It is not my genetic roots, or what my parents did, or anyone around me that can change the fact that I am a human that can choose the response I make in any given situation. The basis of those choices will be on my values that are a part of the inside of me and not on external influences.
I am who I am today because of all of my own life experiences. It is what makes up my good traits and the ones I would prefer not to practice. Gandhi said, “They cannot take away our self respect if we do not give it to them.” I shall not give my peace of mind and happiness to the actions of others.
I shall focus my efforts on those things that I can effect and not on areas of life that I have no influence over. There is no doubt that I will have greater happiness choosing my life than I would, having it chosen for me.
My Journey / Joe Van Deuren 